The Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Low Carbon
Innovation Award will close for entries on Friday, 2nd September.
Organised in association with the Environmental Technologies iNet,
the scheme highlights excellent use of innovative low carbon
technology in a building project designed by a RIBA architect or
chartered practice.
The expert judging panel will consider overall design, with a
specific focus on the integration of innovative technology, as well
as user satisfaction, management of low carbon systems and likely
influence on future new-build or retrofit schemes.
The iNet's involvement with the Award demonstrates its ongoing
commitment to encouraging innovation in the sustainable
construction sector and to supporting the emergence of new ideas
and technologies relating to the built environment.
iNet activity in this area over the past six months has included
its sponsorship of the South West Built Environment Awards and its
presence at a Kier Western supply chain event, as well as the
provision of direct business support to a range of sustainable
construction companies and entrepreneurs.
Next month, in collaboration with the Microelectronics iNet, it
will host an event aimed at generating projects that
will subsequently be assisted with a combination of financial input
and free business services. Delegates involved in activities
relating to smart buildings or the use of microelectronics to
enhance sustainable environments stand to share a total support
fund of £50,000.
"Along with renewable energy, sustainable transport and waste
management, the sustainable construction sector is a primary focus
area for us," said Ben Powis, the Environmental Technologies iNet's
Operations Manager.
"Our consortium partners include universities with world-class
expertise in green buildings, a civic authority recently recognised
for its commitment to best practice in the commissioning of built
environment activity, and a leading centre of renewable energy
knowledge and project delivery.
"Having access to this pool of expertise and resources means we
can offer clients a truly unique package of business support.
Whatever challenges a sustainable construction company or
entrepreneur might be facing, we can be confident of finding them a
tailored and effective solution."
The closing date for entries into the Low Carbon Innovation
Award is 4pm on Friday, 2nd September 2011. The winner will be
announced at the RIBA South West Town & Country Design Awards
on Tuesday, 22nd November 2011 at the M-Shed in Bristol.
Further details and an application form can be found on the RIBA website.
What the judges will
be looking for:
Evidence of considered inclusion of low carbon technologies
within the design brief
Evidence of technology reducing the carbon output of the
project
How low carbon technology improved resource efficiency and waste
minimisation
Innovative approaches in combining low carbon technologies
What new technologies/processes have been employed and what level
of innovation risk has been taken
User satisfaction with the performance and management of low
carbon technologies
Demonstration of the availability of low carbon technology
providers in the South West
Excellence in design